Harnesses are a great way to protect one’s dogs while ensuring comfort. But these harnesses come in many varieties, including the step-in harness. It is one of the most common options for any dog since you can just put it flat on the ground and encourage your dog to step into it. From there, you can clip the harness at the dog’s back by wrapping it over the shoulders. Such an alternative has several benefits, but its primary advantage is its suitability for anxious dogs.
An anxious dog may hate having anything pulled over its head, so the step-in dog harness circumvents this situation and lets the dog be secured by stepping into the contraption. The guide below explains more about these harnesses and how to get the right one for your dog. You can also learn more about its benefits and understand why it may suit your pet.
What Does a Step-In Dog Harness Look Like?
A step-in harness is extremely lightweight and simple to use. Its straps are minimally invasive and fit under and across your dog’s chest. The harnesses have a single D-ring clip on the back where you connect the leash. These contraptions come with intricacies that may sometimes involve a harness vest. That portion has breathable or padded nylon webbing that limits chafing by fitting across the chest. Some of these harnesses may come with even more features, such as a reflective harness vest that is visible even in dim light.
You can even find some harnesses with a dual clip system, giving another D-ring on the dog’s front. In this, you may connect a leash there to discourage pulling and have better control. That makes this harness a no-pull one since it discourages pulling better than anything else.
How To Pick The Right Step-In Dog Harness?
Selecting the right harness for your dog is straightforward if you know what to do. Follow the points below to understand which harness is most suitable for your pet and will keep it comfortable.
- Dog’s Size and Breed
When picking a harness, your dog’s breed and size are the most significant factors. A step-in harness is not suitable for every dog breed but is a preferred option for smaller dogs. However, ensure that you measure your pup before getting the harness to ascertain that it does not strain any part of its body.
- Right Material or Fibre
Every step-in dog harness is made with different materials. Some are made from nylon, whereas others use cushioned leather or synthetic materials such as polyester. So, pick a soft material that is gentle on your pet’s skin while remaining durable and strong.
In this case, you could get a fabric-based or webbed step-in harness that offers your dog incredible comfort. However, these can also require more maintenance than other materials. At the same time, there are several other options to choose from, so you can analyse and get the best one.
- Use the Two-Finger Rule and Make Adjustments
Even when you buy a step-in dog harness of the eight size, ensure that it’s not tight on your pet’s body. You can check the fitness by inserting two fingers between the harness and the dog’s body to see the space left. If your fingers barely fit in, you must loosen and adjust the straps. Your pet’s skin may feel chafed or uncomfortable if the harness is too tight. But the harness cannot be too loose either since a little pup can escape it anytime, so adjust accordingly.
Benefits Of Getting Step-In Dog Harness
Step-in harnesses have several benefits, one of which is that they are much safer than a collar. Putting collars around your pet’s neck can cause significant damage since the fragile cartilage protects vital arteries, nerves, and airways. Small dogs are much more vulnerable to this since any strong pull on the collar can cause serious tracheal damage. And this is where the step-in harness comes in.
Step-in harnesses ensure that no part of your dog’s body is put under extreme pressure. Instead, the pressure is evenly across the back legs and chest. You can discover more advantages once you use the step-in dog harness for your pet companion.
Conclusion
A step-in harness is a great choice for several dogs who are not engaged in excessive activity or are not travelling long distances. It is even more perfect for small dogs and puppies (like pugs) at a larger risk of neck and spine damage if there is any jerk on the leash. Get the best step in dog harness for your furry friend by ensuring it meets all your standards. Do not compromise on the quality of the harness since it is truly an investment and will ensure the well-being of your dog.
